Finite Element Modeling of a Biological Composite Structure Used in Orthodontic Fixed Appliances

Abstract

AbstractComposite structures currently represent combinations of materials from the most different structures, chemical compositions, or geometric shapes. There is no scientific or technical field in which these materials, due to their special characteristic properties, are not present. Most of the time it is found that they cannot even be replaced. In this sense, the study presented in this work refers to the behavior of a semibiological structure. This structure is found in the field of dentistry when using fixed dental appliances. The composite structure refers to the metal bracket that is fixed by a bonding and a resin layers that are considered as adhesives to the outer surface of the tooth, i.e., to the enamel that is a biological material. In order to make a prediction of the behavior of structure during the mastication process from the point of view of the displacements and the state of tension, study starts from the practical realization of a joint by gluing the bracket on the surface of a devitalized tooth. Based on it, modeling using the finite element method allows the prediction of masticatory forces based on the analysis of stress states and displacements.